Rethymno
A gathering spot for Rethymno's slightly older indie crowd, this relaxed, unpretentious bar is decked out in arthouse-film posters and modern-art…
Must-see nightlife in Crete
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Elounda
Well worth the uphill walk to the ancient village of Mavrikiano, this adorable drinking den does a roaring trade in bottled craft beers, quality local…
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Hania Province
Not only a good choice for a quick breakfast or snack, this smart modern waterfront cafe-bar is a great place for coffee and gets lively at night with…
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Hania
Soak up the sun at a street-side table with music wafting from this hip corner coffee spot. Beans are sourced from around the globe, including Guatemala…
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Hania Province
One of the best spots for a drink in town, this attractive, modern wine bar with a delightful garden courtyard features more than 40 top-quality wines by…
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Hania
Housed in a roofless Venetian building on a small lane next to the synagogue, this popular summer-only lounge bar with eclectic decor is a laid-back place…
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Iraklio
Norwegian brewer Kjetil Jikiun started Norway's first craft brewery (Nøgne Ø) before he founded Crete's first craft brewery (he's clearly a man of firsts)…
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Iraklio
This rather idyllic open-air bar gets a whole lot right, with charming servers slinging creative cocktails to a diverse crowd of holidaymakers and locals…
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Rethymno
While Cretans are still developing a thirst for craft beer, Bricks is doing its best to convert them with its selection of 30 ales produced by Greek…
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Iraklio
The indisputable frontrunner of Iraklio's mixology scene is this den of Prohibition-inspired decadence centred on a retail alcove just off Lion Sq…
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Rethymno
Rethymno's most raucous drinking spot is this smoke-filled rock bar that's been banging out tunes since the 1970s. It attracts a boozy crowd of black-clad…
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Hania
Bohème's pretty, tree-shaded terrace and vine-covered pastel-pink stone building provide the perfect retreat. Sip coffee, craft beer or cocktails while…
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Iraklio
Crop divides its focus equally between two vices: caffeine and craft beer. At the time of writing it was Iraklio's only craft-focused bar, with five…
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Agios Nikolaos
Dutch for 'cheerio', Toedeledokie is the brainchild of Dutch artist Lucia, who supplies killer coffee, creamy milkshakes and creative toasties all day…
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Iraklio
If you worship at the cocoa altar, make a beeline to this been-here-forever cafe for the best hot chocolate in town (14 varieties, none of which is…
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Hania
About 5km east and uphill from Hania town is the spot where great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos is buried. The site and its neighbouring owl-themed cafe…
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Rethymno
With an interior of tiles, wood and newsprint, this place has a cool, vintage vibe. The bar is well stocked, including a good selection of cocktails using…
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Rethymno Province
If you're here in summer, head underground to rock out at the Cave bar. Built into a natural cave, it's one of Crete's more unique drinking spots, and…
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Rethymno Province
Classy La Mar is the standout among the port-side terrace cafes, with tasteful decor and an interesting menu of original cocktails. Here you can opt for a…
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Agios Nikolaos
Rub shoulders with gregarious locals at this contemporary cafe-bar sprawling over several tiers above pebbly Gargadoros Beach, about 1km south of the town…
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Agios Nikolaos
The clientele is chatty, the rock music thunderous and the beer ice cold at this funky haunt that's rocked the waterfront since 1983, making it the town's…
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Rethymno
A popular hang-out with locals is this vibrant cafe with a bohemian flavour that attracts a mixed crowd of students, fashionistas and artists. Join them…
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Rethymno
Wake up and smell the coffee at this hip microroaster that offers a pleasing array of speciality beans. Whether you're into V60, Aeropress, Chemex, syphon…
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Elounda
This day-to-night stalwart has been getting mobbed by tourists, expats and locals for nearly 30 years – and for good reason. The drinks are cold and…
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Agios Nikolaos
This alt-flavoured lair buzzes with the conversation of earnest boho locals and offers a cocktail of cool tunes, a sea-facing terrace, and an eclectic…
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Rethymno Province
This been-there-forever pub has a reputation for playing the best music in town. Owner Heinz is a singer-songwriter with eclectic tastes, which is why the…
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Hania Province
A hip, relaxed bar and music venue, Agios is one of Paleohora’s best hang-outs any time of day. It's a great spot for breakfast, with good coffee, and…
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Rethymno
In the alt-flavoured quarter below the Fortezza, this cooperative-run cafe draws chatty locals with coffee from Mexican Zapatistas, sugar from landless…
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Ierapetra
Carb heaven for the sweet toothed. In this locally adored cafe cocoa, milk, nuts, fruit and other delicious morsels find their destiny in chocolates,…
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Iraklio
For a swanky night out, head towards this stylish outpost above the Venetian harbour for coffee, cocktails or a light meal. It’s a lofty space with…
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Rethymno Province
Just metres from the sands of Limani is this popular bistro that's good for Western breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers. It's also a top spot for drinks,…
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Agios Nikolaos
The most stylish among the harbour-front bars, Bajamar is a mellow daytime port of call for coffee, juices and snacks but is buzziest after 11pm, when the…
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Hania
Friendly and relaxed cafe-bar tucked down an alley and decorated with colourful and eclectic art, from paintings of Lenin and Frida Kahlo to a horse's…
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Rethymno Province
Near the post office, this friendly kafeneio (coffee house) gives you a glimpse of village life. This is where local men come to drink coffee, eat snacks,…
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Ierapetra
This tiny bar with petrol walls, flea-market finds and complexion-friendly lighting from basket lamps is a great backdrop for getting lost in conversation…
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Hania Province
This is the perfect spot to witness Falasarna's famous sunsets, under a thatched umbrella on a hill overlooking the sea with cocktail in hand. It gets…
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Rethymno
Hobnob with fun-lovin' locals at this hot-and-heavy party palace. In summer DJs spin mostly international chart music for the tourist crowd, while Greek…
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Hania
By day locals fill the tree-shaded plaza tables at this modern, cool cafe and sip iced coffee, and by night the place buzzes with party life. There’s no…
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Hania
Hidden just off the eastern edge of the harbour, arty cafe-bar Ta Duo Lux is a perennial favourite among alternative types and is lively day and night…
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Hania Province
Plonked on the sand at Pahia Ammos, this tourist haunt is known for its cocktails and sunset views. A menu of snacks (€4 to €8) is served all day to keep…
